Respiratory therapy

University of Missouri-Columbia
Master of health science in clinical and diagnostic sciences
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Overview

The online master’s in clinical and diagnostic sciences with an emphasis in respiratory therapy program is designed for practicing clinicians. With a blend of interprofessional classes and discipline-specific classes, the program prepares graduates for effective leadership in interprofessional workplace environments.

Students who pursue the online master’s in clinical and diagnostic sciences with an emphasis in respiratory therapy will be prepared to:

  • Teach online courses for entry into professional practice educational programs and online bachelor’s degree advancement programs in respiratory therapy;
  • Lead interprofessional teams of clinicians in the hospital/clinic setting;
  • Take on a nonclinical role in sales, marketing, product or customer support.

Quick facts

Official name

Master of health science in clinical and diagnostic sciences with an emphasis in respiratory therapy

Campus

University of Missouri-Columbia

Program type

Master's degree

Academic home

College of Health Sciences | Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences

Delivery mode

100% online

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

Credit hours

30

Estimated cost

$17,250.00

*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.

Medical professional wearing a stethoscope around their neck and speaking to two colleagues.

Career prospects

Potential careers

  • Clinical educator
  • Team leader
  • Assistant clinical professor
  • Clinical specialist
Burning Glass Technologies. 2021. Salary numbers and employment growth numbers are based on models that consider advertised job posting salary, Bureau of Labor Statistics data and other proprietary and public sources of information for multiple occupations.
15.87%
employment growth
Burning Glass Technologies. 2021. Salary numbers and employment growth numbers are based on models that consider advertised job posting salary, Bureau of Labor Statistics data and other proprietary and public sources of information for multiple occupations.
$63,000
median salary

Program structure

Delivery of this program is 100 percent online: no campus visits are required. Courses are semester-based. Students typically complete part-time study plans in two years.

The master’s in respiratory therapy is a customizable interdisciplinary program that allows you to craft a degree that suits your specific educational needs and career goals.

Course work includes

  • Start with core clinical foundation courses designed to introduce students to graduate-level concepts;
  • Choose a leadership graduate certificate offered by the College of Health Sciences or by a partner MU school or college to achieve a high level of depth in an area of your interest;
  • Take respiratory emphasis area electives to further your knowledge in your profession.

Delivery

100% online

Calendar system

Semester-based

Typical program length

2 years

Typical course load

Part time

Accreditation

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

Faculty spotlight

Kathy Myers

Dr. Myers is the program director for the online MHS program, and a clinical professor in the College of Health Sciences. Her research interests include academic credentialing and oxygen therapy. Prior to becoming a professor, Dr. Myers was a registered respiratory therapist at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Kathy Myers, PhD, RCP, RRT, RRT-ACCS, FAARC
Program Director, Clinical Professor
Jennifer Keely

Professor Keely has been teaching in the MU RT program since 2008 in addition to being a 2001 graduate of the program. Her areas of expertise are adult critical care and writing for the health professions. She teaches Pharmacology, Equipment and Techniques, Principles of Mechanical Ventilation, Adult Critical Care, Clinical Ethics and Patient and Community Education. She also serves as the faculty advisor for the Respiratory Therapy Students Association.

Jennifer Keely, M Ed, RRT, RRT-ACCS
Program Director

Learn more about this program

This program is administered by the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences